Sunday, April 28, 2013

This week was pretty busy, crazy and difficult. You know when sometimes situations aren't so great and you're frustrated and then it gets incredibly worse, and you think to yourself, "Wow, I guess things were not so bad before." That's where I'm at this weekend, it's been a struggle to focus on the positives but I managed to stay productive.

I watched a food documentary, Step Up to the Plate, about French chef Michel Bras passing his restaurant down to his son. The restaurant is in the French country side but it's a very modern building and so is their approach to food. I'm really interested in chef's techniques and the cinematography in this film is amazing. The country side is so beautiful and it's entertaining to hear their story and watch them create.

I started reading Mindy Kaling's book. Her show has become my new favorite on Tuesdays. If you are familiar with her at all and like her work, I think you would probably like this book, her language is a little more colorful than on tv, but her take on things is pretty hilarious.

I've been trying to get back into painting, I bought some smaller canvases, I thought maybe I could do a series. Here's the first one :)

Since I am a bit of a computer nerd, I was pretty excited to experiment with the new pattern tool in Adobe Illustrator CS6, for anyone that does graphic work this tool is a game changer! Basically before you had to draw the pattern piece once or enough for a repeat them build the pattern and duplicate it, it's hard to get sprawling patterns to match up, but this handy tool does it for you.
This makes me so happy!!

I see Spoonflower fabrics in my near future! Here's some patterns I've been playing with.
Happy birdies and flowers I'm kinda obsessed with gray and navy mixed with pastel colors.

Earlier this week, I attempted to make a key lime pie, I used the wrong kind of milk, sweeten condensed is what you need, I was quite dejected. I really wanted pie, so I decided to correct my mistake and try again, with farm fresh eggs, I plan to have some for breakfast YAY!

So yeah, things could be better, and sometimes I feel like wallowing but getting things done is so rewarding. I'm going to keep focusing on the positive and start baking and creating more often.
How was your weekend?

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

When I was in fashion school, I spent a lot of time at the best mall in the area, looking at all the stores and exploring all that fashion had to offer. On one of my trips, I discovered a Dutch based store that specializes in beautifully bright designs & prints for kids and women. I love how fun and whimsical their designs are and how functional they are at the same time. My favorite thing about their design aesthetic for children is it's not mini versions of adults clothes: they express the humor and whimsy of childhood in bright patterns. The clothes celebrate childhood and that's what is so wonderful. I wish more American design companies had this mindset, but thanks to the internet we can discover and enjoy awesome design from all over the world.

Speaking of which, I'm head over heels for their children's bags: bright, fun and functional.

Whale bag

fish backpack

truck lunch bag

and my favorite the owl bag

The prints are so happy and let's face it they have the cutest models ever!

love this outfit down to the cute little boots

The boy stuff is cute too!

Their products for Women are of course more adult but the prints are still lovely and saturated.

Check out more here. Who's designs are exciting to you?? I 'd love to hear from you.

Saturday, April 20, 2013

It feels like I haven't blogged in forever......work has been really busy and this week has been devasting between Boston and West, it's reminded me to be deliberate in action and let the people I care about know how much I care every time I see them.

On a lighter note, I've been meaning to write this outfit post for quite a while and share my favorite spring flowers... the ranunculus, it kinda reminds me of a poppy mixed with a rose....they are kinda finicky and I have not really had success with them in the past, but this year we bought bulbs at Costco (yes that's right) and they came up without a problem :)

Here is my awesome new sweater that I stumbled upon at where else but Target. I really like this floral print that they have this season, it's available in traditional items like tops, pants and bags. I think the print really gets showcased in the unexpected construction of the sweater. It's traditional from the front and spring time fun in the back.

Sweater: Target Merona brand(sorry it's no longer on the website, similar here) Top: Gap(similar here) Capris also from Target on sale now. If you really like the floral print, they have it available in other items.

Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Lately, I'm really loving acrylic paper, it's so textured it absorbs markers and pencils so well. It's so fun mixing and blending colors on it. I've been experiment with different concepts, and I think I'm gonna stay away from computer aided drawing for a while. I have been day dreaming about mischievous wild hair bunnies for a little while now. Going on adventures and possibly getting into trouble....

of course he's blue

Some of my favorite artists have come out with some new creations and I couldn't be happier!
I love Kelli Murray's girl and animal illustrations but her new flower series is also beautiful and captivating, I'm always a sucker for pretty flowers.

I love the amazing detail she gives to her creations, from the faces to the outfits, it's really inspiring.
I'd like to experiment with paper clay. Her jewelry is really pretty too, I love her floral motifs :)

Lily Pulitzer an icon of the fashion world passed away this week. I did not know how she got started in the business. I love to hear the story of how people started their business, sometimes it's to fix a problem and then it morphs into something else entirely. Like Lily's story, she started a juice stand and needed a way to cover up the juice stains on her dress, so she had one made in a brightly colored print. Now those bright prints are synonymous with sophisticated summer style. Her classmate Jackie Kennedy wore one of her first dresses (made of curtain material) and everyone had to have one and her dress business began.
From covering up juice stains to creating your own clothing label it's pretty inspiring.

when I think of Lily I think if Fucshia and Green

They have a shop by print feature....that's pretty cool!

I love the little swatches of the prints

What has been inspiring you this Spring? Any new project ideas?
Hope you have a wonderful Thursday!

Monday, April 1, 2013

Happy Easter! I hope you all had a good time with your family and friends. I apologize for my belated post. I drew a spring bunny to celebrate this season of new beginnings. As I've gotten older, I've become more grateful for this time of spiritual reflection and renewal.

P.S. I'm really into flower garlands right now

Went to see the pretty spring flowers at the Dallas Arboretum. I wish I could get tulips to grow in my yard that look this good!

pretty pastels

lovely stripes

chinese snowball viburnum = gorgeous

wisteria flowing over the rooftops reminds me of the hobbit's shire

Fox glove

I'm going to be more disciplined this week, can't wait to share more. Happy Monday :)